Form follows function. And good design arises out of necessity. Michael Cherman’s ICNY (Ice Cold New York) has managed to produce functional performance streetwear with a refreshingly authentic voice. ICNY is know for their signature 3M reflective print garments – especially socks – created to keep cyclists and runners safe on the street at night. The brand arose out of necessity – Michael was hit by a car while riding home and needed a better and stylish way to stay safe on his daily commute.

Just in the past year, we’ve seen an explosion in the tech-meet-street trend, 3M reflective being a major player. ICNY quietly pushed their message of “functional performance,” while making waves in athletic and streetwear circles. The brand has quickly moved from selling shirts hand-to-hand in Brooklyn, to a project with colette and a capsule collection with a certain sneaker brand we can’t mention just yet.

We spent the morning in ICNY’s Brooklyn studio to see the space and process behind their growing brand. We even got to see a reflective tee made from start to finish for New York-based running club, Resident Runners. Walk with us and see the space in the gallery above.